seasons greetings to everyone! the rotunda times 09 news_screen.pdfthe rotunda times page 2 the...
TRANSCRIPT
Feature Vehicle: 1941 Mercury Convertible
owned by Bob Gilstorff
Volume 5 No. 12 The Official Monthly Publication of the Ford & Mercury Restorer’s Club of America December 2009
Also see page 11.Continued on page 5.
Toys for Tots Drive Successful
FMRCOA Members Enjoy Holiday Nightsby
Roxanne Fontana
Continued on page 9.
Club members donated over 200 toys at our December Meeting. Here we see Steve Rohde holding certificate of appreciation from the Marines; Linda Rankin, Toys for Tots Coordinator in the Livo-nia-Redford area; Gunnery Sergeant Curtiss Austin; and Art Cervi.
Christmas carolers singing in Greenfield Village.
The Rotunda Times
What a gorgeous interior!
Seasons Greetings to Everyone!
“My first car was a 1941 Ford convertible,” remarked Bob Gilstorff when I asked him why he purchased
his gorgeous 1941 Mercury. “I was returning from Florida last year and had that restless feeling again. I had recently finished my ’56 T’Bird, and I really wanted another ’41 convertible,” he continued. So fellow club member Charlie Rivers pointed him in the direction of this beauty that was owned by a friend of Charlie’s.
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The Rotunda TimesPublished by:
Ford and Mercury Restorers Club of AmericaP.O. Box 2938 Dearborn, Michigan 48123
www.fmrcoa.orgNewsletter Staff
Editor Steve Rohde 734.717.5444 [email protected] 2955 Bateson Ct., Ann Arbor, MI. 48105
Display Ad Editor Bob Guetschow 248.328.9113 [email protected] 16291 Worden Rd., Holly, MI. 48442
Staff Contributors Bill Gipperich 586.826.8813 [email protected] Louis Ironside 810.798.8803 [email protected] (The Roving Reporter) Brian Kuta 734.753.3788 [email protected] Phil Lyon 734.578.6223 [email protected] Bill Timoszyk 734.421.2076 [email protected] Terry Worful 313.271.2017 [email protected] Roxanne Fontana 248.926.0160 [email protected] Debra Levasseur 248.634.9806 [email protected] Van Nazarian 248.426.0053 [email protected]
Membership Roster Editor Terry Worful 313.271.2017 [email protected] Club Historian David Cheklich 248.391.3934 [email protected]
WEBMASTER Gil Brueckner 910.602.1721 [email protected]
FMRCOAFORD AND MERCURY RESTORERS
CLUB of AMERICAP.O. Box 2938 • Dearborn, MI 48123
2009 OFFICERS President Art Cervi 248.553.8897 [email protected] Vice President Bob Guetschow 248.328.9113 [email protected] Secretary Phil Lyon 734.578.6223 [email protected] Treasurer Steve Rohde 734.717.5444 [email protected] Director Brian Saylor 248.486.8851 [email protected] Director Mike Fontana 248.926.0160 [email protected] Director Art Cairo 248.398.9709 [email protected]
The Ford & Mercury Restorers Club is a hobby organization whose purpose is to foster and promote the acquisition, preservation and use of all Ford vehicles, 25 years of age and older.
Editor’s Message
In this Issue
President’s Page 3Club Calendar 4New Members 3, 5Treasurer’s Report 6Meeting Minutes 6Crown Victoria Convention 7Michigan Motor Enthusiasts Magazine 7The Grandy Model T 8Holiday Nights Poem 9Show & Tell 10Brian’s 2009 Racing Report Card 11CZ Safety Series:Winter Driving 12The FMRCOA Roving Reporter 12Postcards from the Past 13Classifieds 14, 15
Well, another year has come and gone! I’d like to thank all of you who have contributed to the Rotunda
Times during 2009. In particular, this month we thank Bill Gilstorff for the Feature Vehicle material, Cole Grandy and Hank Dawson for their interesting articles, and Art Cairo for the safety content. As usual, thanks again go to our team of Staff Contributors for providing material. One of our staff, however, has become a true poet! Please be sure to read Roxanne Fontana’s poetic recap of Holiday Nights on page 9!
We can still use more Feature Vehicle articles. And with a larger newsletter, we do need more material!
If you want to report on an event that you attended, let me know.Just give me a call (734.717.5444), email me, or put something in the mailbox. Typically, it really doesn’t take more than a 10-15 minute conversation to get great “stuff” for an article.
Consider the 15th of the month as a deadline for getting
announcements or other materials to me for that month’s newsletter.
Finally, don’t forget to visit our website www.fmrcoa.org where you can read these newsletters in color and see more event pictures, and videos.
Happy New Year!
Steve Rohde, Editor
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Art Cervi, President
December 2009Our 40th anniversary and still going strong!
Happy Holidays to one and all!
As we start the New Year I must reflect on our past one. What a wonderful year it was for the FMRCOA. Great garage tours (and we had many). A super swap meet, enhanced with the overhead air show. Nice weather. A move to a new location…..the St. Mary Cultural Center in Livonia, which you must obviously like as our attendance has ballooned at all of the meetings. Even our December meeting – Toys for Tots – was outstanding. Thank you, thank you, and thank you. It’s your esprit de corps that makes this club what it is. It truly amazes me how other clubs look to us as to how they would like to see their club become.
Once again our members stepped up when needed to volunteer to put on an event and as said before, they all turned out great! Once again it is our mission to do the same or more for 2010. As always, we are always open to visit auto-related locations that the whole club would enjoy seeing.
Looking forward to January we should all feel invigorated as it is the “kick-off” for the swap meet season. If you haven’t heard, the State Fair meet has been moved to the Gibraltar Trade Center in Mt. Clemens. The WPC Club is doing the same, only that one is at the end of the month. It will be interesting to see what kind of event our auto makers give us at the North American International Auto Show this year. Hopefully they will introduce some future “collectibles”. We must keep this hobby going!
Delbert Newman Sr. (Roberta)1516 Becton-William Rd.Ripley, TN 38063(731) [email protected] 1953 Mercury Monterey 2dr.
Timothy Bradley Sr. (Lisa)9151 CentraliaRedford, MI 48239(313) [email protected] 1959 Ford Galaxie 1961 Ford Falcon 1964 Ford Fairlane 1971 Ford F-250
Christopher Mack (Monica)7405 SussexCanton, MI 48187(734)[email protected] 1967 Ford Mustang 2+2
Gary Sturdivant (Amy)17095 US Hwy. 223Addison, MI 49220(517) [email protected] 1957 Ford Custom 2dr. 1965 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop 1969 Ford Fairlane Cobra 1969 Ford Mustang Sport Roof
Greg Sanchez (Ryan)24823 Outer Dr.Melvindale, MI 48122(313) [email protected] 1972 Mercury Montego MS Bringham 1971 Ford Ranchero 1972 Ford Torino GT 1969 Mercury Cougar
Daniel A. Matakas7569 HarrisonWestland, MI 48185(734) 422-5659 1972 Ford Ltd. Convertible
Barry Wolf (Claire)3726 Rain Tree CourtWixom, MI 48393(24) 624-19041963 ½ Ford Galaxie 500 Sport Roof1965 Ford Thunderbird
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
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The Rotunda Times would like to feature your old car or truck in an upcoming issue. We are interested
in how you came about finding your vehicle of choice, and what you have done to enhance its beauty, and / or mechanical condition. Simply mail or e-mail us your article accompanied with a photo to:
STEVE [email protected]
ROTUNDA TIMES2955 Bateson Ct.
Ann Arbor, MI. 48105734.717.5444
YOUR CAR!
The Ford and Mercury Restorers Club of America, Inc. newsletter, “The Rotunda Times”, its contents, Club logo, articles, and artwork are the property of the Ford and Mercury Restorers Club of America. No changes, additions, deletions or reproductions are permissible without the written approval of the Ford and Mercury Restorers Club of America, Inc and its duly authorized representatives.
Our monthly club meetings are at St Mary’s Cultural Center at 18100 Merriman Rd in Livonia between 6 and 7 Mile Roads. This is the beautiful facility where we have held the last several dinner dances. Moreover, it has a extremely large parking lot enabling club cars to be easily parked together (and the food is good!).
Meetings are on the first Wednesday of each month and begin at 7:30 PM. And do bring a friend!
Monthly Club Meeting Location
2010 FMRC Meetings & Events Calendar
Below is the tentative table of meetings and events for 2010. New information will be posted each month
as events and dates are “firmed” up. Bold font represents club sponsored activities. Also, if you have an idea for a Club event, please let a Board Member know!
January 6 Club MeetingJanuary 16 Dinner DanceFebruary 3 Club Meeting
February Garage Tour TBA
February 26-28 AutoramaMarch 3 Club Meeting
March Garage Tour TBAApril 7 Club MeetingApril Garage Tour TBAMay 5 Club MeetingMay 2 ACS Relay for Life Car ShowMay 24 Memorial Day ParadeJune 2 Club MeetingJune 6 Wilson Barn ShowJune 19-20 Motor MusterJune TBA Downriver CruiseJuly 7 Club MeetingJuly 17-18 FMRCOA Swap Meet and Car ShowJuly Club Picnic TBAJuly Telegraph Cruise TBAAugust 4 Club MeetingAugust Dearborn Homecoming TBAAugust 14 Woodward Dream CruiseSept. Overnighter TBASept. 1 Club MeetingSept. 9-12 Frankenmuth Auto FestOct. 6 Club MeetingOct. Color Tour - TBANov. 3 Club MeetingDec. 1 Club MeetingDec. 11 Christmas Walk-Greenfield Village
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Time To Renew youR membeRship foR 2010!
The FMRCOA Membership Advantage!!!!!!
Your Board officers and Editors take extra effort to bring you FREE Classifieds and Schedule of Events
found within your monthly newsletter. Take advantage of these benefits your membership provides. Post your schedule where you can refer to it easily. Submit your ads at a meeting or mail to Phil Lyon, our ad editor. For more information on becoming a member go to http://www.fmrcoa.org/ or write to:
FMRCOA Membership SecretaryP.O. Box 2938
Dearborn MI 48123Dues are $25 before & $30.00 after DEC 31
Please mail your dues in or pay at a meeting!
Meet the New Membersby
Terry Worful
Greg Sanchez
Daniel Matakas
My name is Greg Sanchez. My wife is Ryan and I was born
on May 21, 1964 in Michigan. I’m a union plumber.
My first car was a Ford Pinto.
I started collecting cars as soon as I could drive! My first collector car was a Ford Torino. My other hobbies are collecting Schwinn bikes and junk!
If I could own any other car other than a Ford, it would be a Type 3 Volkswagen because it is as good as a Ford and I do own one.
I work on my own cars and joined the FMRCOA because it’s a great club!
I’m Daniel Matakas and was born on March 13, 1937 in
Detroit. I am a retired Ford Motor Co. designer. My first car was a ‘52 Ford convertible.
I currently am not collecting cars, but would like to find a ‘72 Ford to restore. My other hobbies are art and drawing.
If I could have any other car other than a Ford, it would be the 2009
Honda Odyssey that I am driving--because Ford stopped making vans!
I have the work done on my cars, and joined the FMRCOA for information and expertise.
Flathead power here!
Feature Vehicle cont. from page 1
The car was originally purchased by a man in California; and subsequently made its way to Sylvania, Ohio where a body-off, frame-up restoration was performed. Although the ’41 was in perfect condition when he purchased it, Bob had the tan top replaced by a black one—and it really looks sharp with
that top!
Bob has already driven his Merc on four tours in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, and it performed perfectly. Many more tours are planned.
Bob has been involved with collector cars for many years. His first “collector” acquisition was a 1947 Lincoln Continental convertible that he bought from the original owner in 1973. He completed its restoration in 1995 and received a national first place award! He has also received awards from the Lincoln and Continental Owners Club for his 1992 Continental Mark VII LSC Convertible.
Bob has been a club member since 1998 and has known Bob Guetschow since the 70’s. He retired in ’96 from the sand and gravel business that he started in 1959, Brigill Trucking in Romulus which is now run by Gilstorff’s oldest son, Karl.
Bob has been married for 53 years to his wife, Myrt. They have 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.
“The FMRCOA is one of the great car clubs that I’ve belonged to. I try to get to events as often as possible—particularly since I have 7 old cars and all of them Fords!” remarked Bob as we completed our interview.
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December 2009 FMRCOA Meeting Minutes
December 1, 2009
About 136 club members attended the meeting!Above: Toys for Tots toy collection added sparkle to the meeting! Below: Van Nazar-ian was one of the new members who got a badge at the meeting.
A Note from the Treasurer
Another typical month. Dues are coming in at a good pace. Please keep it up!
Steve Rohde, Treasurer
How many exciting cars in the parking lot? Like zero! It must be close to winter in Michigan!
Art began the meeting with the pledge, but no singing this month. Several guests visited us and some indicated their intention to join. They were Jim Clark, Danny Matakas, Greg Sanchez, and Dave Brown -- a former member who now lives in Arizona. Dave owns a flawless 1954 Mercury.
This was our Toys for Tots night and we had quite a large pile of toys. Marine Sgt. Austin in his full dress uniform , accepted the donated toys and thanked the club members. He presented a certificate of appreciation to Art and Steve to our organization(p-11). Toys for Tots distributes gifts to underprivileged children with the help of the Salvation Army; and Linda Rankin spoke to us about their involvement in the program. Over 1000 local families are aided in this way each Christmas and efforts are made to leave no child without something for Christmas.
The minutes and the Treasurer’s report were accepted and the count for the evening was 136. Our club is growing and new member badges were handed out by the VP Bob Guetschow.
Mike Fontana told the membership about a preliminary visit to the Stahl Museum. The museum houses a beautiful collection of rare automobiles and a tour is being planned in the future -- perhaps in March or April.
The Holiday Nights event will be history by the time you read this and you will soon receive you invitation to the annual dinner dance.
Steve encourages us to consider our cars for a feature vehicle if they have not yet been used in the Rotunda Times. Also, if you have articles which may be of interest send them along to him.
Some good car talk, the 50-50 raffle, Show and Tell, and another nice snack ended the meeting and the year!
Phil Lyon, Secretary
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Hank & Janet with their ‘54 Sunliner at the Convention.
Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville.
Bob’s newly acquired ‘55 Ranchero.
Each year the Crown Victoria Association for ‘54, ‘55, and ‘56 Fords has a convention in a different state that is
chaired by one of our club members. They have been holding these conventions for 31 years. For this year the convention was held in Somerset, Pennsylvania in July. This was the closest affordable convention to us in Michigan for a while, so we decided to attend together with club members Bob and Loraine Haas, who would be traveling with us. We decided to drive our 1954 Ford Sunliner there.
Trip to the Crown Victoria Association Convention in Somerset, PA.
byHank Dawson
Michigan Motor Enthusiasts Magazineto be LaunchedMy good friend Bob kept track of us as we traveled to
Pennsylvania. Bob trailerd his new acquisition, a 1955 Ford Ranchero. Our trip went very well, as the ‘54 “ran like a TOP” cruising at 60-65 miles per hour.
The conventions are planned with special activities for the week along with the club car show, swap meet tables, and technical sessions.
An interesting side trip was a cruise with the cars to the Flight 93 crash site in Shanksville, PA where a memorial area and chapel site have been built. The actual crash site is 3 miles down the road where people can drop off items at the memorial area and a viewing area. Just recently they announced that they are planning to build a permanent memorial structure at the crash
site. There was a presentation by state park people assigned there and a presentation at the chapel by a father. They both put tears in your eyes...
On a brighter note, we also took an evening cruise on the Princess river boat, had a great dinner there, and made some new friends. The water way on the river is also pretty interesting. The skyline of Pittsburg at night was awesome.
Back at the hotel the next day all the guys were cleaning their cars for judging and voting. The night before we left for home we had a very nice banquet where awards were presented. Bob and I both won awards for our cars in the car show. Thanks to Bob & Loraine we had another very special collector car outing together.
IT SURE IS GREAT OWNING A FORD!
Club member Don Nicholson, who has been promoting and organizing the Michigan Avenue Cruise and the Telegraph
Cruise in Dearborn Heights, has started a new magazine.
Michigan Motor Enthusiasts will debut on February 15, 2010 with the March issue. This magazine is primarily aimed at promoting motor events in Michigan. With a distribution of 10,000 issues, the magazine will be distributed in restaurants, and auto service waiting areas in Wayne and Washtenaw counties. Car shows and cruise nights will be listed for free.
The magazine, although focused on automotive events; will also cover model and full size train, plane, boat, and car events.
Don is looking for material for his magazine as well as advertisers. For more information, please contact him at [email protected] or 734.658.5296.
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This Model T looks like it did 97 years ago!
Clay & Cole driving their Model T at the Motor Muster.
The Grandy Model Tby
Cole Grandy
From stories that I heard as a child, in about 1957 or 1958 my dad was at a VMCCA monthly meeting and heard about a
Model T that had been discovered in downtown Detroit. When he finally tracked it down, it was a 1912 Torpedo with 1937 plates: so it probably hadn’t been moved since then.
The car was unrestored. The windshield and radiator were still there but all the other brass was missing. My dad made a deal for it -- but I never was told exactly what the final price was. His excitement over this great acquisition was soon overshadowed by the fact that, with a small one car garage containing his 1930 Model A Roadster, he had no place to store this gem. So he rented a garage a few blocks away where the Model T stayed until we moved in the summer of 1962. He then rented a garage that could hold the 4 cars that he had acquired by then. These included a 1929 Model A Tudor and a 1920 Overland touring car.
My dad was a Model A expert. He had never been without one since he was 14 years old except when he was transferred from one Air Force base to another. At those times he would sell his car, transfer to the new base, and buy another one.
However, my dad had absolutely no experience with Model T’s. So when an older gentleman who lived next door said he could show him how to operate it, they managed to get it started, climbed in and launched it off the trailer, and did about 5 donuts on the neighbors’ lawns in reverse. They then pushed it into the back of the garage where it stayed until about 1970. At that time we moved it into a new garage building where it got buried once again. The Model T stayed there until we moved it to my dad’s last house in 2001. He was always going to get to it “one of these days.” After my dad passed away we sold his house and the T moved once again to my house.
But now my brother Clay and I ”got around to it!” With help from Brad Daugherty, who is well versed in Model T’s and has restored many, we worked on it for about 3 hours. We tinkered with the coils, timing, plugs, and changed the oil. It started on the 3rd crank after its 72 year slumber! (Except for the 20 minutes it ran in 1962.) So Brad gave us operating lessons and we took turns driving it for approximately 3 miles until it got dark.
Three weeks later, on September 5th and 6th, we took it to the Old Car Festival at Greenfield Village. At this point I had only about 20 minutes of actual drive time in a Model T, and now I was driving it in crowds at the show! I was told to park my Model T next to the blacksmith’s shop under the chestnut tree which is about 25 feet from the ropes. As I pulled it in, I had to duck under a large tree limb and, as I did this, my big foot slipped off the little clutch jamming it into high gear.
My first instinct was to mash the clutch and brake to stop - but in a Model T that drops it into low gear. The car leapt forward towards the people on the other side of the rope. They scattered leaving an old man in a wheel chair and a concrete waste receptacle now 20 feet from me. I had to choose between hitting the concrete can and wrecking the car or hitting the old man in the wheelchair. So I just missed the waste receptacle on the left by an inch, and hoped I would only spin the man in the wheelchair. But, fortunately, I missed his legs by 2 inches and stopped in the middle of the road! The man in the wheelchair was fine as was the car. The only thing hurt was my pride! So we pushed the Model T back into place and that was the end of my driving it for that weekend!
Now that Clay and I have both practiced driving it on the rural back roads of our township and are getting more confident, we have taken it to car shows and small cruises in our area. Hopefully, next year we will continue our education and enjoyment of this great 97 year old car. My dad always talked about restoring it but now it would be a shame to. Remember, they’re only original once! So get em running and enjoy them! Life is too short and tomorrow is no guarantee!
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The advertisement below is from John Clor, noted journalist and automotive editor who spoke at our July meeting. This volume makes a great gift. In fact, last year’s edition sold out in just 12 weeks last Christmas season!
Back cover of 1958 Ford Rotunda Christmas activities book brought in to the December meeting by Cole Grandy. The front cover is on page 16.
Order online at www.
SvtoaStore.com
The Perfect Gift!
45th Anniv. Edition! A colorful “Insider’s” History Called “The
Finest Mustang Book … Ever!” Includes 16 Pull-Out
Historical Artifacts, Plus a CD of Engine Sounds!
Also available: Powered By SVT Ford SVT 1993-2003 hardcover History.Not Sold In Stores!
holiday Nights, cont. from page 1.
Holiday Nightsby
Roxanne FontanaChristmas was coming, coming up fast.
Everyone was hoping the good weather would last.Our club had a special Saturday night.
For Greenfield Village and the Holiday Nights.
The members were treated to a night on the townWith Carolers and Villagers all around.
The sidewalks were lit by lanterns with care.And buildings were decorated with holiday flare.
The evening was crisp, just right for a stroll.Fire pits and warming stands -- we never grew cold.
As we watched for our members to wander byWith hopes we could stop and tell them Hi!
There goes Jim! And Barbara, too.Nancy and Pat, and Mike and Sue.
With so many people, it was hard to seeSome names and faces were a mystery.
Never fear! For cars are near. . .
There were Model T’s to cruise the townIt’s a fleet of 12 for riding around --All of them black but one you see.
The 1927 was burgundy!
The people were smaller back in that day.But four of us squeezed in anyway.
I thought we were stuck in the back of the TBut with a wiggle and a jiggle we sprung ourselves free.
Horses, wagons, and Santa Claus, too.Hot chocolate, cider and movies, for you.
Glass blowing, pottery kilns, chestnuts, and more.Something to see and for all to explore.
Too soon it was time to say good night.The Village was turning out the lights.A good time was had by all this year,
A time to share our joy and cheer.
The Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village was a special night for over 100 club members and guests to gather and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of a bygone era. By now the club cars are tucked away for their long winter’s nap and the snow birds will soon be taking flight. Happy Holidays to all our members and friends with good wishes for a happy, healthy New Year.
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Decemberr Show & Tell:A Really Big Show!
byBill Timoszyk
Above: 1959 Ford Ranchero promo-tional photograph. Right: Ford acces-sory Continental kit advertisement.
Info wanted on this oil filter adapter.
May 7, 1945: a great day for the US!
Photo of early jeep prototype.
A circa 1906 car skate!As Radio TV showman Ed Sullivan used to say: “A Really Big Show Tonight!” was the case at our last meeting of the
year for the show and tell department. As I have stated in the past, sometimes our “Dearborn roots” gives us an awesome advantage.
That advantage was especially true this month with “Jeff’s Jeep.” Member Jeff Martoia brought in some photos of a truly historical Ford find. The photos were of a very early 1941-1942 WWII era Ford Jeep prototype. It was smaller than a normal jeep, about the size of the American Austin Bantam version for the US Army and was powered by a Ford of England flathead
4 cylinder engine.
The jeep was used at the old Ford Airport on Oakwood during WWII, and then transferred to Ford Airmotive Operations at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. In 1960 it was deemed surplus and
sold to an employee. He took it home to Belleville and stuck it away for 49 years. He decided to sell it, and Jeff’s relative purchased it.
Speaking of WWII, Vic Hollingshead brought in the front section of The Detroit News from May 7, 1945 with the “Full Surrender” headline.
Gary Holstrom brought some great “Dearborn Insider” photographs of 1959 Fords including Ranchero promotional
shots taken in October 1958 at Ford Proving G r o u n d s , and a dealer
promotional info/sales shot of the authorized Ford Factory Accessory Continental wheel kit. Again, great stuff.
Cole Grandy shared some of his paper collection with us tonight:
a 1958 Ford Rotunda Christmas activities book, complete with an Edsel woody wagon on the cover (see p-9); a 1974 Lincoln Mercury coloring book; Model A Ford sheet music (reprint), a 1987 Rat Fink comic book. He also displayed an original bottle of Testor’s “Ed Roth” special paint for model cars.
Harry McAuliffe brought a circa 1906 car skate-an early cast iron version of the car “rollers” that we now use to move cars with.
Karl Chase brought a dual oil filter adapter that he would like more info on.
This brings to a close another 12 months of good Show and Tell sessions. Remember, you the members make this a success by your efforts. We look forward to next year. Happy Holidays!
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Certificate of appreciation received by the Club from the Marines.
Your Ad Could Go Here!Please Contact:
Bob Guetschow248-328-9113
Brian in his ‘72 Maverick.
Brian Kuta’s 2009 Racing Report Cardby
Brian Kuta
I had another good run this 2009 season. My 1972 Ford Maverick Grabber (302/348 / C-4 / 9” 4:30) ran flawlessly
again all season long. Having a car under you that is ‘bulletproof ’ makes a huge difference when you are racing the car, because you don’t have to worry about something happening to the car, and you can just get out on the track and race your very best. I raced 35 races this season, and those races were at: Mid Michigan Motorplex, Dragway 42, Norwalk Raceway Park, Bunker Hill Dragway, Muncie Dragway and Ubly Dragway. I put 224 full passes on the car, and the results are as follows: Wins = 2, R/U = 2, Semis = 3, Quarters = 4, Eights = 7. I also did very well making round money, and ended up totally out of the money in about eight races.
Everyone understands that racing is very much a team effort, and again I must thank the people that helped in this successful season of great results. Bob Hunt, the owner of Kar-Go Carburetor Inc.(see p-11), again provided me with all the carburetor help needed to insure that the car goes when I mat the go-pedal. Louis Jeffery, the owner of Accurate Transmission Inc. (734-699-9042), gave me a solid driveline that insures I will be running at the end with a car that will not fail at those extreme limits. Kim Maddox, owner of Maddox RV (734-287-6067), helped with much needed services that kept my equipment in top shape and trouble free to withstand the rigors of all the traveling that I do. Mark Kuta, my son and owner of Cougar Construction Midwest Inc.(248-446-1099), helps me with a lot of physical and financial help that supports these racing efforts. I must also mention that my son Mike is always there to help me do the work needed on the car itself, and my two other sons, Justin and Clint, are there if needed.
This season my naturally aspirated small block Ford ran a best of 10:30s @ 130 MPH and 6:52s @ 104 MPH (1/8th). Plans for the 2010 season are underway and will include different cylinder heads and a fairly big change in the torque converter. I truly hope that the people that read my Report Card strongly consider the services/products provided by my sponsors. These people are the best in class of what they do, they are to be trusted, and I personally know they will do right by you too.
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Page 12
The FMRCOA Roving Reporter: Going South
CZ Safety Series:Tips for Safer Winter Driving*
Last month I made a journey south to attend another swap meet that was on my “bucket list.” I flew to Orlando,
Florida and visited with long time friend John Robertson for a couple days before we drove up to Moultrie, Georgia for the 19th annual fall swap meet. The weather was perfect, the swap meet at almost 4000 spaces was huge, and the car corral was filled with over 1500 cars. And, where else can you get alligator ka-bobs at a swap meet? And no, I didn’t try them!
The great deals were everywhere, and it didn’t take long to fill my suitcase with parts. I am sure the inspectors at the airport were puzzled at the odd rusty “things” in plastic bags that I
According to a recent Ford online poll of employees, the top winter concern is the driving habits of others. Below
are some tips offered by a Ford technical driving expert that should help drivers maneuver more safely during the challenging winter weather.
• Make sure all lights, windows and mirrors are clear before driving. • Adjust seat, mirrors and headrest. • Verify that seat belts for all occupants are fastened. • Slow down. In snow and wet conditions there is much less tire grip. • Adjust your speed to allow maximum space around your vehicle at all times. • Plan lane changes to be smooth, very progressive and slower in poor conditions. • Scan more to locate other drivers in your vicinity. • Look down the road – 2-3 cars ahead of you – and check to your left and right, including blind spots. • Frequently check your rearview mirror, particularly when slowing down for traffic lights or other reasons. The driver behind you may not be able to stop safely. • When stopping at a light behind vehicles, leave room to steer off the road if you see someone coming too fast from behind. • If you have ABS and need to stop in an emergency, plant your foot on the brake as hard as possible and do not let up. You still will be able to steer because the wheels will not lock up. • Avoid emergency steering maneuvers in snowy or icy conditions. • Plan better and anticipate situations. • If you are uncomfortable driving in certain conditions or have seriously reduced vision, stop in a safe area and wait or consider canceling the trip.
*Provided by Art Cairo courtesy of Ford Motor Company.
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Page 13
The Henry Ford World Center in Dearborn, MI.
Postcards from the Pastby
Lou Ironside
For Sale August 2009
This month we have a more recent post card from the Ford Motor Company. The card is from the early 1960’s, and
shows what was then referred to as the Central office building. It later was nick-named “the glass house,” and more recently
it was officially renamed the Henry Ford World Center to honor Henry Ford II. Many a car club has had their meet in the shadow of this historic building in which many great leaders (and some not so great) of the Ford Motor Company have worked. Probably one of the biggest shows was the 100th anniversary of Ford Motors which was held on the grounds in 2003. Hard to imagine that was six years ago, it seems like only yesterday!
Not a usual swap meet food option!
was traveling with. One of the great deals was a complete 1955 Ford tudor hardtop that was virtually rust free for only $1200. I was seriously thinking of that one getting shipped home. But, the last thing I need is another project. Oh well, next time I go it will be by land so I can haul and drag home bigger treasures. There were plenty of early car parts, especially Model A and T, and lots of rust free sheet metal. I enjoyed the visit with John, and enjoyed the swap meet….it doesn’t get much better than that!
Well, in our “northern state” the swap meet season has pretty much closed for the season, but we are in luck as in a short month the new season will start and we can again search for those elusive parts we need. Until next month, happy hunting…….
The Rotunda Times
Page 14
Classified
For Sale December 2009
Wanted
• 2-292 cu. in. engines and trans. $800.00 for both. Jerry Worful. 313-271-2017.
• 2-Ford 3 blade fans for later ’60 – ’70 Fords. $15.00 each. Hank Dawson. 810-231-3184.
• 1964 Galaxie XL 500, 2dr. hard top. Parts all there. Bad trunk floor and rockers. $1,200. Cole Grandy. 810-735-1671.
• Pistons .020 over and rods for 292 cu. Y block. New. $60. 1969 Cadillac fenders. $50 each. John Miller 586-756-4279 or 313-891-2640.
• 1989 Ford Sq. wagon full power, all works. Runs good. Body good. $2,700. Ray Crout. 313-291-3075.
• Used oil (waste oil). Bring to the meetings. John Miller. 586-756-4279 or 313-891-2640.
• Rear end from Mustang, Maverick. 8in. or 9in. Jerry Worful. 313-271-2017.
• Parts and or assistance to rebuild the rear end in my ’47 Ford. Karl Chase. 248-879-0854.
• Mullins all steel utility trailer. Made in Salem, Ohio. Harry McAuliffe. 313-534-5974.
• Looking for clean ’50 – ’80’s mid-size. $4,000 limit. 734-635-0926.
• Mercury, Edsel, Lincoln engines/trans/intakes. Nick Zakarian. 313-468-3687.
• V-8 Maverick rear end 5 lug and front disk brakes and ’71 Grabber parts hood, spoiler, sport mirrors liped 14” buty rings. Kenmont front brakes, flatty speed equip. Cole Grandy. 810-735-1671.
• Radical ‘50 Ford flat head. Wyat Hazlett. 734-459-5493.
• Model A body or parts thereof. I bought a running, driving chassis and I need something to put on it. Dean. 734-626-4052.
• Honda 350 four motorcycle. Jeff Gniewek. 313-460-9879.
• 2 bucket seats for ‘70/’71 Fords. Larry Szynr. 734-751-8415 or [email protected].
• ’59 Ford starburst red, white, blue hub caps with starburst. James P. Hamilton. 517-937-0707.
The Rotunda Times
Page 15
Federal Industrial Services, Inc.Specialize in Sandblasting & Metalizing
Glass Bead Blasting – Plastic Media BlastingLarge and Small Orders – Fast Turnaround
11223 E. 8 Mile Rd. • Warren, MI 48089 (586) 427-6383
Classified
For Sale November 2009
• 1972 Cougar XR7 Convertible. Rebuilt 351-4V Cleveland, auto, white, blue leather. Nice Car. $11,000 or best. Herb Offord. 248-684-5560.• 1972 Mercury Capri. Complete interior. Front and rear seats, door panels and dash. Burgundy leather. Excellent condition! Art Cervi. 248-553-8897.• 1937 V860 complete engine and trans. Running. $1,000. Al Sawallich. 517-552-0448.• 1947 Chev. 2dr good body 327/4spd. Not running. $3,500. Jim Robb. 313-291-3147.• Mini spare for 80’s escort. New. Free. Dave Wallace. 313-928-2095.• Stromberg 94’s. Good cores for rebuilding. $50 each. Dean. 734-626-4052.• 2003 F250 Super Duty 2w.d. super cab. 8ft. bed XLT sport. Loaded. 59,000 miles. Excellent condition. Dark gray, black interior. Nick. 313-468-3687.• ’59 Ford 292 shortblock heads 2brl intake exhaust manifolds. Gary Holmstrom. 313-277-375.• 1967 Ford 390-2V 270hp V-8 engine, turns over, not ran in many years. Asking $350. Adrian Clements. 248-760-4343.• 1957 Ford 312 4-block 4 bar carb and manifold and rebuilt 3128 – block heads. Gerry Radtke. 248-685-2549.• 1939 Ford 2dr Sedan; 1941 Ford Opera coupe. Pat Beattie. 248-545-4128.• 2 good 235-65R/17 BF Goodrich tires bw drive or for spares. $20 each. Hank Dawson. 810-231-3184.
• Used oil (waste oil). Bring to the meetings. John Miller. 586-756-4279 or 313-891-2640.• Tail light lenses, windshield, and windshield rubber for 1962 Mercury Montery convertible. Avelino Rodriguez. 602-363-4754.• 1956 Buick 322 nail head water pump. Art Cervi. 248-553-8897.• 1957-1958 Mercury, Ford 2dr station wagon. Original or restored. Nick. 313-468-3687.• Trunk moldings for 1946 Ford Coupe. Don Beers. 989-883-2341.
Wanted
The Rotunda Times
To:
FIRST-CLASS MAILU.S. POSTAGE
P A I DWESTLAND, MIPERMIT NO. 55
Ford and Mercury Restorers Club of AmericaP.O. Box 2938Dearborn, MI 48123
the year iN reView